Leftists

Leftists

Dr John J Ray has made a life long study of the Left or leftism.

It is now clear that Rightists are not opposed to change but that "Western" Leftists seek it eagerly -- so attitude to social change is the defining characteristic of the political Left rather than of the political Right. Rightism ("conservatism") and Leftism are not opposites or mirror images, however, so Rightists in general are neither for nor against change. The archetypal Leftist in the economically successful "Western" democracies (a "liberal" in contemporary North American terms) is a keen advocate of change not for its own sake but rather to fulfil his/her ego needs -- needs for self-advertisement, self-promotion, excitement, influence and ultimately power. Leftists/liberals do nonetheless dislike neo-liberal (pro-market) change because it threatens their access to power. The old Soviet system showed that, once they have gained power, Leftists suddenly become very opposed to change. Change is just an instrument they use to gain their ultimate goal of power. And why is power sought so single-mindedly? Why the single-minded egotism? At its deepest level, Leftism appears to be psychopathic -- with the psychopathic disregard for all norms, morals, standards and ethics in the ruthless quest for personal praise and satisfaction.

It is because of their quest for power that Leftists come into conflict with conservatives. History shows that what has always motivated conservatives is resistance to government power -- in particular government encroachment on individual rights and liberties. So conservatives may either favour or oppose change to promote that cause.

A description of the political attitude domain in terms of two dimensions rather than a single Left/Right dimension is rejected on both empirical and theoretical grounds. The pervasiveness and evolutionary origins of egotism and reality denial generally are also briefly considered.

He is a prolific writer. Google him to see all his blogs and where he is published.

Posted by Ted Belman at October 23, 2005 09:54 AM

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Comments

1. Laura said:

"It is because of their quest for power that Leftists come into conflict with conservatives. History shows that what has always motivated conservatives is resistance to government power -- in particular government encroachment on individual rights and liberties. So conservatives may either favour or oppose change to promote that cause."
....................................................................................
Of course right wingers are not motivated by their quest for power. Furthermore it's a total crock that conservatives favor individual rights and limited government power. They consistently are in favor of interferring with individual liberties when it comes to behavior they view as immoral; gays, women's reproductive rights, and not just with regards to abortion, but even contraception, medicinal marijuana to cite some examples. The fact is both the left and right are in favor of government excerting its power for causes important to them.

Posted by: Laura on October 23, 2005 06:07 PM

2. radiorote said:

"Intelelphant Design" is the Neo-Con perfect animal, as one political cartoon demonstrated. A back strong enough to hold all the bankers upon, and a nose long enough to stick into people's bedrooms. Does one size fit all?

In other words, it appears the fellow who wrote the piece about the Left and Right is out of step on too many levels to deconstruct here. It is far too complicated and cubby-holing it will not do. Laura is correct, Dr. Ray's assumption is "crock" as she kindly puts forth -- and also begs of any sound direction. Doctor of what, exactly?

Posted by: radiorote on October 23, 2005 06:58 PM

3. John Ray said:

Laura's comment is a common one. I reply to it at length here:

http://jonjayray.netfirms.com/xiancons.html

Posted by: John Ray on October 24, 2005 02:17 AM

4. John Ray said:

For anyone interested, my blog is:
http://dissectleft.blogspot.com

Posted by: John Ray on October 24, 2005 02:19 AM

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